79 headlight electrical problem

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Apr 3, 2004 | 09:46 PM

silverfrost99

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From: G'ville

79 headlight electrical problem

I went to leave tonight, and when i turned the lights on the dash just flickered and the headlights didnt come on. I jiggled the know a bit to see if that helped. Then the lights finally came on but they would kind of flash or pulse whether the engine was running or not. It fires right up and the dome light works fine. Also when the lights are flashing there is a ticking noise that sounds like inside the dash, kind of like when the four way flashers are on.

Any ideas as to what this may be?

Thanks

Apr 3, 2004 | 09:50 PM

Tidybowlman0

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Joined: Mar 2004

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Sounds like you have a wire shorting out and arcing to a ground.

Apr 3, 2004 | 10:58 PM

Mil1ion

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Joined: Jan 2008

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Replace the headlight switch.
The HL switch houses the circuit breaker and it is so old it heats & cools quickly.

I would suggest do a conversion to relay's ,this will completely rid the truck of the problem & your lighting will be more efficient.

http://faq.auto.light.tripod.com/headlamp-harness.html

Apr 4, 2004 | 08:44 AM

silverfrost99

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Joined: Jun 2003

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From: G'ville

I think too that it may be the switch, that seems to be where the sound is coming from. This mornig, i tried it, and there was no problem at all. I have not driven the truck so, if it were a short it should still be doing it?

Thanks for the FAQ!

Apr 4, 2004 | 12:34 PM

BOJOFASO

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Joined: Apr 2002

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From: NJ

replace the headlight switch . mil1ion is 100% correct about the heating and cooling of the circuit breaker and it is located in the headlight switch.

Apr 5, 2004 | 04:28 PM

silverfrost99

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Freshman User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 41

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From: G'ville

Yep, replaced the switch with a new one from NAPA for $23. Now I also know why the interior light didn't come on with the ****, but only with the door.

Thanks for the help and an easy, cheap fix!!